Cribbs Style

  • About
  • Blog
  • Let’s Connect!
  • Privacy Policy and Disclosure

Pantry Party

Ideas· Samples· Tips

21 Oct

I’ll never forget my first pantry in the first house we purchased. *sigh*  I still drool over it to this day because of the space and storage that pantry provided. Every house since that time has had to measure up, but let’s just say that not all pantry’s are created equal. If you have a large pantry, small pantry, or even no pantry at all, there are solutions to maximize your space.

First thing I’m going to address is the no pantry house…. gasp! I know, I know, but believe it or not, not all houses had a pantry because there really wasn’t a need. Think about it- very few things were pre-packaged back in the day. Grocery shopping was done almost daily, still is in some cultures, and the meals prepared fresh. The need was more for refrigeration and freezing than dry goods storage.  If you happen to live in a house with no pantry and you really want one, I suggest using a piece of furniture for something other than it’s intended purpose. Or even a piece of furniture that can also double as another work surface if you’re lacking counter space too. Friends of ours have used a neighboring coat closet and turned it into a pantry since in the south, coats aren’t needed as often. I personally thought this was brilliant.

 

Cribbs Style - Personal Organizer

Carolina Panache

Cribbs Style - Professional Organizer

Magnolia Homes

When we first moved to South Carolina, we rented a townhouse until we figured out where we really wanted to live.  Let me tell you, it had the TINIEST pantry. (You done been shrunk tiny pantry.) It was narrow and made it very difficult to navigate around and that’s when we had to get creative with our space. The first thing we did was empty the pantry completely out, bought new containers for food we bought all the time, and labeled everything. We also utilized shelving racks to split spaces in half and provide more storage.

Cribbs Style - Professional Organizer Charleston, SC

Before

Cribbs Style - Professional Organizer Charleston, SC

That’s a lot of Stuff

Cribbs Style - Professional Organizer Charleston, SC

All Done

The new system made use of the limited space while allowing us to see exactly what we had at all times. No more guess work, moving things around to get food, or forgetting that we had certain items.

When we moved to the new house, our pantry didn’t get a whole lot bigger, but we used the same system and two years later it’s still working. The exception is with the new house that the pantry door is big enough to utilize the back of the door as storage as well. Adding hooks keeps the girls lunch boxes within quick reach.

The new system made use of the limited space while allowing us to see exactly what we had at all times. No more guess work, moving things around to get food, or forgetting that we had certain items. When we moved to the new house, our pantry didn't get a whole lot bigger, but we used the same system and two years later it's still working. The exception is with the new house that the pantry door is big enough to utilize the back of the door as storage as well. Adding hooks keeps the girls lunch boxes within quick reach.

Back of the Door

The new system made use of the limited space while allowing us to see exactly what we had at all times. No more guess work, moving things around to get food, or forgetting that we had certain items. When we moved to the new house, our pantry didn't get a whole lot bigger, but we used the same system and two years later it's still working. The exception is with the new house that the pantry door is big enough to utilize the back of the door as storage as well. Adding hooks keeps the girls lunch boxes within quick reach.

Labels are key. Chalkboard labels are my favorite!

The new system made use of the limited space while allowing us to see exactly what we had at all times. No more guess work, moving things around to get food, or forgetting that we had certain items. When we moved to the new house, our pantry didn't get a whole lot bigger, but we used the same system and two years later it's still working. The exception is with the new house that the pantry door is big enough to utilize the back of the door as storage as well. Adding hooks keeps the girls lunch boxes within quick reach.

Just a Few of My Favorite Containers

The new system made use of the limited space while allowing us to see exactly what we had at all times. No more guess work, moving things around to get food, or forgetting that we had certain items. When we moved to the new house, our pantry didn't get a whole lot bigger, but we used the same system and two years later it's still working. The exception is with the new house that the pantry door is big enough to utilize the back of the door as storage as well. Adding hooks keeps the girls lunch boxes within quick reach.

Ta-Da!

When we get back from the grocery we like to break everything down. Food that can come out of their packaging they are put them in their proper containers or baskets. That alone makes putting the groceries away a breeze; everything has a home. It also takes the guess work out of knowing if we’re out of something or getting close and need to add it to the grocery list. (Who hasn’t had a box of disappointment when they reached for their favorite snack only to find the box empty?)  The wire racks are a standard in most houses and to make ours more of a flat surface, we used left over floor tile from when we resurfaced cabinet floor under the sink. It provided a sturdy surface for our canned goods.

When we get back from the grocery we like to break everything down. Food that can come out of their packaging they are put them in their proper containers or baskets. That alone makes putting the groceries away a breeze; everything has a home. It also takes the guess work out of knowing if we're out of something or getting close and need to add it to the grocery list. (Who hasn't had a box of disappointment when they reached for their favorite snack only to find the box empty?) The wire racks are a standard in most houses and to make ours more of a flat surface, we used left over floor tile from when we resurfaced cabinet floor under the sink. It provided a sturdy surface for our canned goods.

Something else unexpected, we turned a magazine holder into a aluminum foil/wax paper/ cling wrap and paper lunch bag holder.

Something else unexpected, we turned a magazine holder into a aluminum foil/wax paper/ cling wrap and paper lunch bag holder.

The plan is to group like things together and putting them in their spots based on the frequency of use. I’m vertically challenged, aka short, so having items in front of me that I use all the time makes more sense. Items we don’t use as much go higher in the pantry. We also put things like the kids snacks at a level that helps them to become more self sufficient. (And helps me to not constantly be fetching the kids snacks.)

Now, for those that are able to have the mecca of all pantry’s, I bow to you. Think big rooms, with shelving and drawers. Let’s take a moment…

So Pretty

So Pretty

Dreamy Pantry

Dreamy Pantry

The shelving, the space, the multifunction of it all! A girl can dream can’t she?!?! I am extremely envious of people who have this, but even though there is a lot of space to play with, it’s just as important to be deliberate so it doesn’t become the dark hole for lost things AND food.

No matter what your situation is, the most important piece of advice I can give is think outside of the box, or in this case, pantry. See through containers are especially helpful and labels are their best friends. Use all the space up, down and sideways to get the most out of the storage that you can have.

 

Let's connect!!

Stay connected for all your DIY and organizing needs!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit
« Selling Your Home While Trying to Keep Your Sanity!
The solution isn’t storage. »

Hi, I'm Brooke! Welcome to my little corner of the web where I share my (hopefully) helpful tips about how I'm navigating through life, one organizing and DIY project at a time. Come on in, make yourself comfortable, and let's get to work!

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Stay Connected

Features

Featured on Hometalk.com

cribbsstyle

Lover of DIY• Organizing Nerd• Chaos Coordinator• Momma of 2• Wife• Living the dream in Charleston, SC •
[email protected]

Brooke Cribbs
Never underestimate the power of trim and this Tim Never underestimate the power of trim and this Timeless Craftsman Collection from @wearewoodgrain at @homedepot is a real show stopper! #partner Check out the blog and see how it all came together for the beach condo renovation.
This week not only was spring break for my girls, This week not only was spring break for my girls, but also the anniversary of my mom’s passing. I repotted the plant I kept from her funeral and already it looks so much better. I’ve been trying to keep busy with spring cleaning, purging, and packing, but apparently life didn’t feel like that was enough. Last night we had a trip to the Emergency Vet after Jojo came in contact with weed killer, you can see her resting on our bed. Needless to say it’s a little slow and quiet today while she rests and we watch her.  Besides that and all that’s going on in the world, it’s so hard not to be in a giant funk. What’s your plans for the weekend?? I need to get some great ideas to turn this struggle bus into a party boat!
We started packing today, which means projects at We started packing today, which means projects at this house are coming to an end. Truth be told, this is the house where Cribbs Style was born. I’ll forever be grateful for all the lessons I learned in every project. Most of all, the confidence to learn and work all my power tools, which I owe to @ryobitoolsusa and @havenconference.  Nothing brings me more joy than answering questions or teaching another person about tools. They’ve been the gateway to my future. 💕
Calling all my weekend DIY warriors!! You won’t Calling all my weekend DIY warriors!! You won’t want to miss this DIY outdoor bar I made for @homesdotcom! Check out this link for the full tutorial! 🙌🏽 Happy building and happy weekend!  https://www.homes.com/blog/2021/04/easy-diy-tutorial-how-to-build-a-backyard-bar/?cmp=hdc-brookecribbs-042021
Building a home can be exciting! The options can b Building a home can be exciting! The options can be overwhelming and pricey. I’ve made a quick list of the builder upgrades you could skip and the ones you might want to keep. Head over to the blog to read all about them:  https://www.cribbsstyle.com/building-a-new-home-skip-these-builder-upgrades/
I used these three things to freshen up our master I used these three things to freshen up our master bedroom and ended up with three different looks. Check out the blog and not only get a look at my space made new, but see what a few of my friends did to their spaces. 💕 Happy almost Friday!!
Grief is such a tumultuous journey. Facebook memor Grief is such a tumultuous journey. Facebook memories are a double edge sword. 10 years ago and 2 years ago this very week, both of my parents were handed a cancer diagnosis. My father lived for another 14 months, my mom only 3 weeks. Last year we had planned to be away for the one year anniversary of my moms passing, but instead a pandemic had other plans.  It’s all taken a toll on me mentally and physically. At times left me very unmotivated and completely distracted.  I’ve learned to give myself grace and each day is another opportunity to have a fresh start.  But y’all it’s hard. So if you see me dip in and out, that’s why. Most days my focus has just been on Court and the girls and that’s all I got. And that’s ok, but I also like to keep it real.  I know we all go through bad times, hard times, but I’m here to tell you you’re not alone and I see you. All the love. 💕
Today may be St. Patrick’s Day, but I feel like Today may be St. Patrick’s Day, but I feel like I got my pot of gold yesterday!! Thank you so much for your kind words! In case you missed it, there’s a link to the before pictures in the blog post. You can also swipe to see some of the spaces before they were transformed.  If I didn’t do this space myself I would argue this isn’t even the same place. 🍀
Load More...

The bottom line

All work is Copyright of Cribbs Style and are solely the opinion and suggestion of Cribbs Style. Any links to affiliate sites could result in payment to me, but my honest opinion will be given in regards to the products. You are more than welcome to use one picture as long as you link back to this site and please do not crop out any watermarking.

Copyright © 2021 · Refined theme by Restored 316